DAVID MOYES is willing to allow James Vaughan to leave Everton on loan – with Middlesbrough preparing a move for the injury-plagued striker.

Vaughan has played just eight minutes of first-team action this season as a late substitute in

the 4-0 Europa League win over Sigma Olomouc last month.

“We think it would benefit him to get some games under his belt,” said Moyes. “We have not been able to do that for the boy and he has missed a lot of football, so we wouldn’t be opposed to it (going on loan).”

Vaughan began just two games last season, a campaign wrecked by a knee operation that was delayed by almost a month.

He was eventually rushed back into action during the closing weeks of the season and even made a substitute appearance in the FA Cup final defeat to Chelsea at Wembley.

Everton’s injury problems deepened this week with Phil Neville set to discover today the extent of the injury to the posterior ligament in his left knee.

Neville suffered the damage in a strong challenge with Fulham midfielder Dickson Etuhu during Sunday’s 2-1 defeat at Craven Cottage, and if an operation is required the 32-year-old could be sidelined for up to four months.

Phil Jagielka, Mikel Arteta and Anichebe have suffered similar injuries this year, and Jagielka has pledged his support to Neville.

“It goes without saying that we were all gutted to see ‘Phizzer’ carried off and, as our captain, he will be missed just as much off the pitch as he will be on it,” said Jagielka.